Hi Rachel,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

John Speed’s “The Kingdome of Irland” (first published in 1611 in his atlas The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine) is significant for several key reasons: it was one of the first widely available maps of Ireland; it had both political and colonial context and was based on early surveys. Additionally, it was embellished with elaborate cartouches, coats of arms and figures in regional dress making it as much a statement piece as a practical map.

The map was engraved by Jodocus Hondius and originally sold by John Sudbury and George Humble.

I've found a couple examples that have sold at auction - both are period (early 17th Century examples) and have fetched prices ranging from £1,200 to £2,500, with the latter for fully colored ones. Your map has a value of £1,500-2,000. I have also found one priced online for £3,200, which is a retail price.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

John Speede
engraved and colored map: "The Kingdome of Irland Devided into Severall Provinces, and the Againe Devided into Counties. Newly Described", dated 1610
Depicting the Royal coat of arms, sea monsters, sailing ships, a compass rose, and a strapwork title cartouche flanked by putti and topped with a Celtic harp. At left are vignettes of local people, including the Gentleman and Gentlewoman of Ireland, the Civill Irish man and woman, and the Wilde Irish man and woman.
40cm x 52cm (15-3/4 x 20-1/2 inches)
CONDITION: with some toning, uneven edges and edge tears.
PROVENANCE: unknown
£ 1,500-2,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia